Wilderness Linkwasha Camp is the most polished honeymoon camp in Hwange National Park. It sits on the edge of the Ngamo Plains in the park's remote southeast, inside the private Linkwasha and Makalolo concessions, which together cover about 34,000 hectares. That means fewer vehicles, more freedom for your guide and long afternoons watching elephants at the waterhole without another car in sight.
The camp has nine tents, decorated with patterns inspired by Ndebele art. There is a swimming pool. A sunken hide beside the camp waterhole puts you at eye level with drinking elephants. For a night you will never forget, the Star Bed lets you sleep out under the sky on a raised platform.
It suits couples who want excellent guiding, big elephant herds and a stylish but relaxed camp. The fully inclusive rate covers meals, local drinks, twice-daily activities and park fees, so there are few surprises. It is not cheap, especially in the dry season, when rates nearly double. For a short flight from Victoria Falls, though, it delivers one of the great safari experiences in southern Africa.
Highlights at a glance
- Nine tents on the edge of the Ngamo Plains
- Private 34,000-hectare concession
- Sunken hide at the camp waterhole
- Star Bed sleep-outs under the sky
- Fully inclusive rate with park fees
Why Couples Love Linkwasha
The setting is the first reason. Linkwasha faces the Ngamo Plains, a wide grassland that feels more like East Africa than the woodland most people expect in Hwange. Sunsets over the plains are long and golden. In the dry season, elephants, buffalo, zebra and antelope come to the waterhole in front of camp, often while you are sitting on the deck or in the pool.
The guiding is the second reason. Zimbabwe's guides are among the most highly trained in Africa. Wilderness has a strong reputation. Because the camp is in a private concession, guides can choose routes freely and spend time with sightings without crowds. The camp is small enough to feel personal, with staff who learn your preferences quickly.
Tents to Book
There are nine tents, all luxurious and decorated with Ndebele-inspired patterns. Each has an en-suite bathroom and a deck looking out over the plains or the waterhole. Ask for one with a view of the waterhole if you want wildlife coming to you.
The Star Bed sleep-out is the honeymoon highlight. You spend a night on a raised platform under the stars, listening to the bush. Book it for one night of your stay and keep the rest in your tent. Mention your honeymoon when you book so the camp can arrange extras such as a private dinner. Wilderness also offers multi-camp honeymoon journeys that include Linkwasha, which can be a good way to plan a longer trip.
Food, Drink and Down Time
The rate covers all meals and local drinks, so you do not need to watch a bar tab. Premium imported brands and champagne cost extra. Meals are served in the main area, on the deck or out in the bush, with menus that change daily.
The swimming pool is the best place to spend the middle of the day, especially from September to November, when temperatures climb. The sunken hide by the waterhole is another favorite way to pass time between drives. Sitting at eye level as elephants drink just a few yards away is one of the great safari experiences. Laundry is included. Evenings end with dinner, a drink by the fire and the sounds of the bush.
Why guests fall for it
Things to Do
Activities run twice a day and include game drives across the plains and woodland, plus walking safaris with your guide. Hwange is famous for elephants, with herds of several hundred gathering at waterholes in the late dry season. Lions, leopards, buffalo, sable and roan antelope are also seen. Wild dogs pass through from time to time.
The sunken hide offers a different perspective, especially for photographers. Conservation experiences let you visit nearby communities and learn how the camp supports local projects. You can also visit Painted Dog Conservation near Dete, which works to protect African wild dogs. Couples with different interests can mix drives, walks and hide sessions across a three- or four-night stay.
Getting There
Most couples fly into Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) and spend a night or two at the falls first. From there, Wilderness Air flies to Hwange in about an hour. The alternative is a long road transfer, which saves money but takes much of the day.
The dry season, June to October, is peak time for elephants and big herds at the waterholes. The green season, November to March, is lush and much cheaper, with excellent birding and newborn animals. April and May are a good middle ground. This is a malaria area, so talk to a travel doctor about prevention. If you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices for Zimbabwe before you go.
Is It Worth It?
Yes, for couples who want the best of Hwange. Rates start at about $867 per person per night in the green season, rising to around $1,820 in the dry season, so roughly $1,730 to $3,640 for two. Treat those as approximate. The rate includes meals, local drinks, activities and park fees, which simplifies budgeting.
The trade-off is price in peak season. Somalisa Camp and The Hide are good alternatives in the same part of Hwange. If you are flexible, visiting in April, May or November gives you good wildlife at much lower rates. For couples who want elephant herds, a private concession and a night on the Star Bed, Linkwasha is a superb choice.
Insider tips
- Book one Star Bed night early in your stay in case of weather.
- Spend at least one midday session in the sunken hide.
- Visit in April, May or November for lower rates.
- Fly in with Wilderness Air to avoid a long road transfer.
